After defeat of Persians Empire, Greek pride, confidence, and arrogance increased Pericles took control of government (1)Expand democracy(2)Expand Athenian Empire (3)Beautify Athens (Parthenon) Athens created the “Delian League” –Pericles used $$ from “DL” to achieve his goals –In time the “D.L.” became the “Athenian Empire” Athens built “Long Walls” around the city all the way to the port of Pireus “Peloponnesian League” formed to offset alliances of the “DL” Greek “Powder Keg”

“LONG WALLS” Greek “Powder Keg”

PELOPONNESIAN WAR 431BC – 404 BC SPARTA = ARMYATHENS = NAVY 431 BC Thebes (Sparta’s ally) attacked Plataea (Athens ally) – Pericles urged the Assembly to declare war He said, “If we go to war, as I think we must, be determined that we are not going to climb down. For it is from the greatest dangers that the greatest glories are to be won.”  after speech – Assembly voted for war

PELOPONNESIAN WAR 431BC – 404 BC Pericles Plan to fight the war:  stay behind “Long Walls”  attack Sparta by sea – “Hit and Run” Sparta ravaged countryside

During the first year of the war Pericles gave his most famous speech. In this speech Pericles states his feelings about Athenian democracy: "Our form of government does not enter into rivalry with the institutions of others. Our government does not copy our neighbors', but is an example to them. It is true that we are called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and not of the few. But while there exists equal justice to all and alike in their private disputes, the claim of excellence is also recognized; and when a citizen is in any way distinguished, he is preferred to the public service, not as a matter of privilege, but as the reward of merit. Neither is poverty an obstacle, but a man may benefit his country whatever the obscurity of his condition." -- Pericles Pericles’ position on democracy

PELOPONNESIAN WAR 431BC – 404 BC 430 BC – Plague hits Athens  20K/100K lost their lives (Pericles) 423 BC – Sparta urged Athens allies in “DL” to leave, promising independence after Sparta wins  Athens forced to sign “armistice” 421 BC – Peace of Nicias  solved nothing, inevitable war would resume

PELOPONNESIAN WAR 431BC – 404 BC 418 BC – Sparta defeats Argos (Athens ally)  Alcibiades (Athenian General) sends Athenian hoplites to Argos to defeat Spartans  Alcibiades convinces Assembly to attack Sicily – FAILURE!! (Alcibiades fled) >>Athenian Navy suffered big losses >>Athens moving towards “Mob Rule” 412 BC – Sparta develops Navy w/ help of Persians

PELOPONNESIAN WAR 431BC – 404 BC 405 BC – Battle of Aegospotami  Spartan Navy destroyed remainder of Athens Navy 404 BC – Athens surrenders 1)”Long Walls” torn down 2)Oligarchy was created – “30 Tyrants” 3)# of citizens dropped to )never regain dominance